Want to work on a cruise ship but don't know what kind of job, who's who on board, or what their roles are ? We'll give you all the information you need about the crew. Keep in mind that for many, working on a cruise ship is more than just a job; it's a way of life where you experience different nationalities, religions, lifestyles, and places. It's not all fun and games; it's a demanding, disciplined environment.
We also want with this article to help you know the organization chart of how a cruise works, and know who to turn to on a cruise, so that your question can be answered immediately.
Workers' wages
One of the most important factors considered when applying to join the crew is salary, and it's no small matter. The salaries are good, especially considering that you won't have to spend money on accommodation or food, including the mandatory uniform you wear on board. Crew members have access to services and common areas , including a bar, internet, laundry facilities, a gym, a solarium, and a swimming pool (on some ships only).
Payment is made in euros or dollars, depending on the cruise line, and is made on board. You typically receive a fixed salary, sales commission, and a share of tips. Individual tips given by guests are not included in the total. To learn more about tipping, you can read this article.
All shipping companies, regardless of the flag they sail under, are regulated by the MLC 2006 (Maritime Labor Convention 2006), which in turn is regulated by the UNWTO (International Labour Organization) and the IMO (International Maritime Organization).
We pass you the average monthly salaries in 2017, but each shipping company has its salary policy. It's just to give you an idea:
- Restaurant waiters 1.500 euros + tips and commissions.
- Waiter, glasswasher, clean buffet tables 800 euros
- Cooks (there are 3 hierarchies) range from 900 to 1.600 euros. And in this category do not enter the maitres, or chefs of restaurants.
- Cleaners 1.100 euros.
- Animation for both children and adults 1.300 euros.
- Entertainment, artists and stagehands are also included here. They charge as budgeted. Sometimes they depend on the production company itself and others on the shipping company.
- Security 2.000 euros.
- Doctor 3.500 euros and nurses 1.500 euros
- Second Engineer 7.500 euros
- Captain 20.000 euros
As we said before, these values are indicative and each company has its own policy regarding remuneration. Sometimes the employees of the shipboard shops, the casino and the spa are hired directly by the commercial brand that offers these services, and not by the shipping company.
Crew functions
In order not to get you too involved with another broader list, we will divide the work on board into four basic areas:
- La cover. They are all the officers who they run the ship, they are on the bridge. On the edge of the pyramid is the captain and all the officers have to be certified by the Official Schools of Nautical and Merchant Marine.
- machines: They are the technicians and engineers responsible for the operation mechanical and electrical of the entire ship. Do not think only about the ship's engines, any personnel in charge of the correct maintenance of the ship enters this area. The maximum position is the head of the engine room.
- La hostelry: Is the bulk of cruise ship crew and make up the part of the on-board resort. In turn, they are divided into departments such as entertainment, accommodation, administration, food and beverages ... it is organized and directed by the Cruise Director.
- Hospital: They are the nurses and doctors in charge of the hospital on board. There are usually no pediatricians.
We hope that with this classification we have helped you when embarking on a cruise and addressing each professional at the right time.